I like to get up early and go fishing. Then in the afternoon, I like to go fishing. Sometimes I’m so excited about fishing, I forget to eat. Then I realize how hungry I am. That’s when I stop fishing (temporarily) and go get a quick bite. Quite often, I’ll have my camera with me so several of these restaurants have been featured in Sands in the Surf videos. This post takes a look at the restaurants featured in these videos. I’ll give a brief description of each restaurant’s environment, let you know what I consider the restaurant’s best features, and offer suggestions on what you might consider ordering. The Pirates Deck If you’re looking for a fancy meal served by a waiter in a bowtie, you’ll be sorely disappointed. However, if you’re looking for a fun, down to earth bar and grill where you can get a quick meal, the Pirates Deck is the perfect spot. Located right next to the Food Lion on Oak island, the Pirates Deck has arranged its patio since Covid, allowing for more outdoor seating. Guest can choose between benches and tables, or the bar when deciding where to sit. Large TV’s surround the patio so you won’t miss the game. Perhaps the Pirates Deck’s best features is its low-key atmosphere. It’s a laid back, easy going feel that can only be described as ‘on beach time’. The menu is varied offering everything from seafood including crab legs and shrimp, to the bar food you’d expect such as wings and burgers. They also offer several styles of home-made pizza which are perhaps the stars of their menu. The seafood pizza is particularly good. If you’ve just arrived on the island and are looking to kick off your vacation or if you just want a place to drink a beer with a pal and watch the game, the Pirates Deck should be your first stop. Tranquil Harbor If you don’t know it’s there, Tranquil Harbor could easily be overlooked, but that would be a mistake. It’s a small greenish blue building with rusty colored shutters that sits across the street from the Food Lion. Inside, there are tables and booths and a fully stocked bar illuminated with colorful lights. Pre Covid, Tranquil Harbor was a date night hot spot for my wife and I. We would meet weekly, to sit at the bar and share one of their excellent specials. If you’re looking for something simple, Tranquil Harbor offers burgers and fried fish baskets. However, they also offer a selection of steak and fresh catch entrees that are worth consideration. Make sure you ask about their specials. I haven’t had a bad meal yet. Perhaps their best entrée is Crabby Mac, a delicious take on macaroni and cheese. And yes, add the bacon. Unfortunately, due to Covid, at the time sof this post, Tranquil Harbor is only open for take-out service. Shagger JacksIf you’re thinking about eating at Shagger Jacks, you might want to get there early. This place is always hopping and for good reason. Shagger Jacks offers both indoor and outdoor seating, and yes, they allow dogs in the outdoor seating area. In fact, there is a sign that reads, dogs drink free all day long. Inside, the lights are low which makes for a warm, inviting atmosphere. The staff is always ready to help and if you think they’re doing a good job, you can buy them a round of drinks. They even ring a bell and everyone claps when you do. The menu is a step above the ordinary burgers and seafood. It’s still pub food but it’s put together with a little more flair. They offer several specials which rotate frequently and outstanding desserts as well. My favorite meal is the Fort Fisher fish tacos with blackened grouper and a mango salsa. Koko CabanaIf you are fishing on the pier and get hungry, this is the place to eat. That’s because it is located right on the Oak Island pier. Koko Cabana offers indoor and outdoor seating, and with the large indoor windows, every seat has an ocean view. Unlike the other pub restaurants on the island, the floor plan is open and bright. There are ceiling fans above and fresh herbs growing near the front door. In fact, everything is fresh. The menu updates fairly regularly with new entrees to try. They also sever unique food. I’ve had the gator po boy which was outstanding. I also enjoy their Mexican corn. Sunday mornings, during the high season, they offer a brunch menu that is fantastic. They turn even something as simple as a ham biscuit into a gourmet meal. The craziest thing I had was their crazy bloody mary. It came with a frog leg on top! Rusty Hook Previously know as the Dead End Saloon, this Southport restaurant changed to the Rusty Hook after the hurricane. Even though it’s not on the island, I still frequent this establishment for three reasons. First, they have docking available. If you’re out fishing near Southport, it’s easy to tie your boat off at the dock and grab something to eat. Secondly, they have outdoor seating where they allow dogs. Third, the food is very good.
They have a large indoor seating area, most offering views overlooking the Intercoastal Waterway. There is also a long bar with seating available. The outdoor seating is limited but that’s ok because most people choose to sit indoors. On the menu they offer a nice selection of Brunswick catch seafood as well as pasta dishes and a variety of sandwich style meals. Their crab cakes are very good but I almost always get their Dockside Tacos, blackened Mahi-Mahi with mango-salsa, cabbage-jicama slaw, a squeeze of lime and a side of house made Texas Caviar. Fishing on Oak Island, NC
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Ian SandsFish along with Ian Sands of 'Sands in the Surf' on beautiful Oak Island, NC. We’re fishing the surf and surrounding areas targeting everything from puffer, to blues, to black and red drum, to sharpnose and bonnetheads. Archives
February 2021
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